PRENATAL EXPOSURE TO METHYLMERCURY AND CHILDHOOD BEHAVIOR

描述（由研究者提供）：低水平甲基汞（MeHg）暴露对神经发育的影响尚不确定。在法罗群岛和塞舌尔群岛进行的两项关于产前接触甲基汞的开创性研究报告了认知和行为结果方面的不一致结论。本研究的主要目的是：（1）采用新生儿行为评估量表（NBAS）探讨产前甲基汞与婴儿注意力相关行为的关系;以及2）学龄儿童中甲基汞与注意缺陷多动障碍（ADHD）相关行为的关系使用Conners教师评定量表（CRS-T）、神经行为评估系统2（NES 2）持续表现测试（CPT）和韦氏儿童智力量表第三版（WISC-III）的组成部分，我们还将调查甲基汞和多氯联苯（PCBs）对行为的潜在协同效应，并评估甲基汞和行为协会的性别差异。最后，我们将评估鱼类消费对甲基汞和行为之间的关联的潜在混杂效应。该研究将在1993年至1998年期间出生的788名婴儿的出生队列中进行，这些婴儿的母亲居住在马萨诸塞州新贝德福德受多氯联苯污染的港口和超级基金场地附近。在产后约10天采集的母亲头发中测量了甲基汞。与行为结果的关联将通过多变量回归估计，控制广泛的协变量。这项研究的结果将建立在关于甲基汞对神经发育影响的文献基础上。这对于就告知公众产前接触甲基汞的潜在危害达成共识至关重要，因为接触甲基汞的主要来源是食用鱼类，而食用鱼类对健康有很大益处，包括对神经发育的益处。产前甲基汞（MeHg）与神经发育之间的关系尚未得到很好的理解。鉴于食用鱼类对大脑发育的明显益处，这项研究将为向公众宣传产前接触甲基汞的潜在危害所需的文献做出重要贡献。

DESCRIPTION (provided by investigator): There is uncertainty about the effect of low-level methylmercury (MeHg) exposure on neurodevelopment. Two seminal studies conducted in the Faroe Islands and the Seychelles Islands of prenatal MeHg exposure report inconsistent conclusions with respect to cognitive and behavioral outcomes. The primary aims of the proposed research are to investigate: 1) the association between prenatal MeHg and attention-associated behaviors among infants using the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS); and 2) the association between MeHg and behaviors associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among school-aged children (median=8 years) using the Conners' Rating Scale for Teachers (CRS-T), the Neurobehavioral Evaluation System 2 (NES2) Continuous Performance Test (CPT), and components of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III). We will also investigate a potential synergistic effect of MeHg and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on behavior and evaluate gender differences for the MeHg and behavior associations. Finally, we will assess the potential confounding effect of fish consumption on the association between MeHg and behavior. The study will be conducted among a birth cohort of 788 infants born between 1993 and 1998 to mothers residing adjacent to a PCB-contaminated harbor and Superfund site in New Bedford, Massachusetts. MeHg was measured in maternal hair collected at approximately 10 days postpartum. Associations with behavioral outcomes will be estimated with multivariable regression, controlling for a wide range of covariates. Results of this study will build upon the literature on the neurodevelopmental effects of MeHg. This is critical to arriving at consensus in informing the public about the potential hazard of prenatal MeHg exposure, given that the primary source of exposure is fish consumption, which is associated with substantial health benefits, including benefits to neurodevelopment. PROJECT HEALTH RELEVANCE The association between prenatal methylmercury (MeHg) and neurodevelopment is not well understood. This study will be an important contribution to the literature necessary for informing the public about the potential hazard associated with prenatal MeHg exposure, given the apparent benefit of fish consumption on the developing brain.